Cat thought the Hydra epidemic was over, but when new cases pop up, 
Cat must team up with an enemy to fix the vaccine before the virus spirals out of control in this thrilling sequel to This Mortal Coil, which New York Times bestselling author Amie Kaufman says “redefines ‘unputdownable.’”
The nightmare of the outbreak is finally over, but Cat’s fight has only just begun.
Exhausted, wounded, and reeling from revelations that have shaken her to her core, Cat is at a breaking point. Camped in the woods with Cole and Leoben, she’s working day and night, desperate to find a way to stop Lachlan’s plan to reprogram humanity. But she’s failing—Cat can’t even control her newly regrown panel, and try as she might to ignore them, she keeps seeing glitching visions from her past everywhere she turns.
When news arrives that the Hydra virus might not be as dead as they’d thought, the group is pushed into an uneasy alliance with Cartaxus to hunt down Lachlan and fix the vaccine. Their search takes them to Entropia, a city of genehackers hidden deep in the desert that could also hold the answers about Cat’s past that she’s been searching for.
But when confronted with lies and betrayals, Cat is forced to question everything she knows and everyone she trusts. And while Lachlan is always two steps ahead, the biggest threat to Cat may be the secrets buried in her own mind.
The first book in this series, This Mortal Coil, was one of my most captivating reads last year. Any books involving genetic engineering? Yes, please. I was so excited to receive an ARC of This Cruel Design, but also cautiously optimistic that it would live up to my heightened expectations. No worries – it more than delivered, and is just as addictive as the first book.
I had no trouble falling right back into Cat’s world, but still appreciated the recap in the first couple of chapters. Strong characterization is one of the strong points of this series, and I thought I knew these characters’ secrets – wrong. So very wrong. More gasp-worthy secrets, hidden agendas, surprising relationship reveals – strap yourselves in and be prepared. The coding technology continues to thrill my inner science geek, and comes across as absolutely realistic the way it’s written.
With a unique plot line, strong, likable characters pushed to their limits, a fast pace, and futuristic technology, this series will appeal to YA sci-fi fans, and is easily a crossover. My wait for the next book will not be patient or pleasant.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Books and Such 
I love when a series is so good you’re impatient for the next book. Sounds like a winner!
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I can’t say enough about this series, Mae. It just thrills my inner science geek.
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Strong characterization and plenty of secrets. That’s right up my alley.
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I love a book that still surprises you, and this one threw some real curveballs.
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You sell this one well. I might have to look into it.
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It’s easily a crossover, Craig. I could see you enjoying this series.
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It hits a lot of the right buttons.
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Oooh. This sounds good, Teri. I love sci-fi that feels so real it’s frightening. Your high praise has put it on my list. 🙂
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The world-building technology fascinates me, Diana. Haven’t read anything quite like it.
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The science is beyond me, but that’s part of the fun – I totally fall for it. 🙂
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This sounds incredibly good. And oh, genetic engineering …. and the downside? i don’t like to wait for the next installments. I’d rther wit for the entire series to be released, or at least the first four books if it’s one of those long series.
Great review, by the way.
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Thanks, Jina! You’re more patient that I am. I need my greedy hands on the book the moment it comes out, lol.
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That happens if i happen to be following a series. But, like i said, if i haven’t picked the first one and the second is already out, i usually try to wait for the fourth, or at the very lest, the third. I’m the kind of person who enjoys binge reading, so one book usually leaves me craving for more. It’s not a nice feeling.
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Sounds very exciting, Teri. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for stopping by, Robbie – have a great weekend!
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You too, Teri.
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wow do you find wonderful books Teri! I do love YA Sci-Fi and the theme of genetic engineering as well so I’ll have to check this one out! Especially after knowing is an “addictive” read 🙂 and a second book that is as good as the first! You don’t see that all the time!
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I’ve loved genetic engineering probably since I read Jurassic Par, Daniela – and I’ve been a life long sci-fi fan. You’re right – sometimes the second books don’t live up to the first, but this one is an exception. Hope you can find some time to read them!
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